Rallies Against Islamic Law Draw Counter-Protests Across US

Demonstrators spurred by one of the largest grass-roots anti-Muslim groups in the United States rallied against Sharia law over the weekend and in some cases were met by larger crowds of counterprotesters, observers said.

A rally against Islamic law and a group of Muslims have peacefully gathered in separate and opposing demonstrations in CT. But numerous rallies drew even more raucous counter-protests by people who called such fears unfounded. The Southern Poverty Law Center lists ACT for America as an extremist group.

"The real worry is that this sort of thing incites other actions, possibly more hate speech or more violence", Razi Nalim, the president of Muslim Alliance Indiana, said of the march Friday.

Seattle police say they are prepared for two protests - one against Sharia and the other pro-Muslim - in downtown on Saturday.

Among its initiatives has been to push for passage of state statutes and constitutional amendments - known collectively as "American Laws for American Courts" measures - that would prohibit courts from deciding cases by applying Shariah, a body of Islamic laws and practices derived from the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.

The rallies were organized by ACT for America, which claims Islamic law is incompatible with Western democracy. We want to make sure that the radical Islamist ideology did not hijack the peaceful Muslims here in this country.

Morris is part of the "Three Percent United Patriots", an organization which played a large role in protesting Sharia Law in the United States. Police used tear gas to disperse rowdy demonstrators and arrested several people, including some for investigation of assault.

"(I came) to show that female mutilation, honor killings and wife beatings are barbaric and should not be allowed in this country, which is what Sharia law would do", she said. "We are paying taxes and contributing to this country - not taking away", said Ahmad, a property manager.

The steps of Colorado's capitol were peppered with clashing protesters Saturday, at an event started by those opposed to historic Islam's Sharia Law. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News AppFatema Ahmed is Muslim and her group talked about Islamophobia and where the racist sentiments come from.

Standing on the opposite side of the street from the demonstration in New York City, teacher Marjorie Stamberg, said "Two people were murdered in Portland a few weeks ago, by their people".

Many of those opposed to the rally peacefully held signs in support of local Muslims.

In a somewhat confusing video advertising the Austin protest, Morris said she had been visited by Iranian students as a child. It's a lobbyist organization that's had close ties to the Trump administration, and they've been active for a number of years passing state-level bills that target Islamic law and also refugee policies.

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